What does Preamble of Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026 do?

This bill proposes to amend title II of the Social Security Act. The proposed amendment would credit individuals serving as caregivers of dependent relatives with deemed wages. This crediting would apply for up to five years of such service.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS AND SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes findings related to caregiving and retirement security. Congress finds that caregiving is essential for families and provides vital services to children, the ill, disabled, and elderly. The section states that a caregiver credit could improve the economic prospects of unpaid caregivers and provide retirement security. According to the 2025 Annual Report, the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds are projected to pay scheduled benefits in full until 2034. Congress expresses the sense that it should address the exclusion of home care providers who are ineligible for Social Security or Medicare due to providing paid care to a family member with a disability under state and local programs.

What does DEEMED WAGES FOR CAREGIVERS OF DEPENDENT RELATIVES. of Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Title II of the Social Security Act by adding a new section, 235, concerning deemed wages for caregivers of dependent relatives. A 'qualifying month' is defined as a month an individual provides at least 80 hours of care to a dependent relative without monetary compensation, subject to certain limitations. A 'dependent relative' includes children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or a spouse/domestic partner who is a chronically dependent individual. A 'chronically dependent individual' requires daily assistance with activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living. For months after December 2026, individuals may be deemed to have received wages equal to a portion of the national average wage index or the excess of that index over their actual wages, up to a maximum of 60 qualifying months. The deemed wages are considered for determining monthly benefits and lump-sum death payments, but only if they result in a larger benefit. The Social Security Commissioner must promulgate regulations within one year of enactment to prevent fraud and abuse, including application and certification procedures.

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Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/23/2026 · Introduced: 4/23/2026

Author: Bradley Schneider (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill allows individuals who provide unpaid care to dependent relatives to receive credit for 'deemed wages' when calculating Social Security benefits, potentially increasing their monthly payments and lump-sum death benefits.
To qualify, caregivers must provide at least 80 hours of care per month to a qualifying dependent relative, such as a child, parent, or grandchild, who requires daily assistance.
The bill limits the credit to a maximum of 60 qualifying months after December 2026 and requires the Social Security Commissioner to establish regulations to prevent fraud.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4396(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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